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Location: Bodegas Berroja founded in 2001 currently owns 37 acres (15 Ha) of vineyards in the town of Muxika, Bizkaia. Located in Zone 3 in the north of Spain between San Sebastian and Bilbao (Closer to Bilbao), in the town of Muxika – Basque Country at 794 ft altitude.

Climate: Continental Atlantic climate with cold nights and high levels of rainfall. Temperatures between April and October average 59.6º F, and rainfall between the same period amounts to 31.1 inches. These levels of rainfall and temperatures are drastic and uncommon in Spain. Rainfall in this area is higher than Rias Baixas (Zone 1) and temperatures are similar to Zone 1 and 2. Due to these unique climatic conditions many varietals will not be able to adapt in this area, however by the same token the main Varietal (Hondarribi) does not grow anywhere else. The DO Chacolí de Bizkaia located west of Chacolí de Guetaria is higher in rainfall, altitude and slightly lower in temperatures, making wines that are even more so, driven by acidity than in Getariako.

Soils: Very steep vineyards (12% slope) making these soils faster draining, and allowing the vines to have greater sun exposure due to its proximity to 90º angle. Soils are composed of limestone and sand on its surface and subsoil. Sand and limestone are heat retaining soils containing low to medium organic materials. All these different elements, specially its steep slope make this area unique and feasible for making wines. Steeper soils accelerate the ripening period even though temperatures might be cooler, resulting in earlier harvest dates.

What makes Berroja unique? 1) Steep soils (12%) allowing for a drier environment which offsets its high rainfall levels of 31.1 inches. 2) Great quality / price ratio. 3)Growing small amounts of Folle Blanche and Riesling grapes allows this producer achieve new flavors that are richer in complexity. Social MediaTwitter: @bberrojaBodegas Berroja Facebook